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Newcomer George Pizzo tells an emotionally inspiring story in his Beyond the Rainbow. It
is a story of courage, love and transcendence in a world where it is far too easy to let go of hope.
When Faith Michelssen and her soul mate Michael Engel first meet it could have been once of those missed
opportunities. Standing on a crowded bus they meet and take the chance on a conversation. They sense something in each other
and act on their desire to spend more time together and Faith gives Michael her phone number. Over the next few years the
couple commits to their love for each other until the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Giving into her hopelessness and
fears Faith moves back to her parent’s home in Omaha. Their love brings them back together again only to
meet tragedy when Michael is killed in a senseless accident.
Faith and Michael could be anyone, you, me, the man across the street. They are symbolic of all the opportunities
and chances we have a choice to make and are a shining example of what a gift taking that chance can be. While not a magical
love story or filled with passion, it is a solid story of two people who, through their love for each other surmount even
the most final obstacle – that of death. Mr. Pizzo touches on the trauma all Americans felt with the events of September
11, 2001 and enacts the fears many of us experienced in its aftermath. He also shows us the best of ourselves when the love
between two people surmounts any obstacle.
One of this reviewer’s favorite poems is that of the Rainbow
Bridge, which was written for animals, yet its words are so soothing
to any who pass over from this life. Mr. Pizzo utilizes a rainbow throughout the story much akin to what the rainbow
bridge is to those who know about it. For those who do not, he provides a wonderful gateway to dealing with the loss of a
loved one’s passing.
Even more special is Mr. Pizzo’s back story to this one and his own personal revelations
regarding the last chapter. If you do not normally read the preface and acknowledgments, this is one book where one truly
should do so.
Fun for this reviewer were the descriptions of the F train and Kew Gardens because they brought back
happy childhood memories riding on that same train and visiting friends in that neighborhood. While at times the writing is
reminiscent of school readers, it does not take away from the very emotional and inspiring story.
Beyond the Rainbow is an easy read, but one that contains passages that will bolster the reader
in sad times when a little lift is needed.
Reviewed by Gina
August 2005
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